Rangers' Harrison gets 10th win, back tightness

Associated Press :
June 24, 2012
: Updated: June 24, 2012 11:14pm

Texas Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin (27) tries to catch a ball hit by Colorado Rockies' Marco Scutaro during the first inning of an interleague baseball game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, June 24, 2012. Martin was unable to come up with the catch.

Photo By Rick Yeatts/Getty Images

Matt Harrison delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the interleague game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on June 24, 2012 in Arlington, Texas.

Photo By Brandon Wade

Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) catches the throw from right field as Colorado Rockies' Todd Helton (17) slides safely into second on a double during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, June 24, 2012. Texas won 4-2.

ARLINGTON — Matt Harrison wanted to stay in the game, pleading his case in the dugout that he felt OK.

The Texas Rangers weren't taking any chances with the left-hander who keeps winning for them and is in line for a spot on the American League All-Star team that will be led by his manager.

Harrison worked five scoreless innings and matched the AL lead with his 10th win in the Rangers' 4-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday night. His outing was cut short only because of tightness in his lower back that caused soreness in his left hip.

“It was no big deal,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “He will make his next start. There's no assumption.”

When Harrison (10-3) got to the dugout after the fifth, he huddled with Washington, pitching coach Mike Maddux and a trainer. He said there was no pain, though he first felt the tightness warming up for the third.

“I ended up telling them what was going on and they decided to be cautious with it,” Harrison said. “Go ahead and shut it down and make sure I'm ready for my next start and not go out there and blow out anything.”

Harrison has one more scheduled start before the full All-Star rosters, including the manager's picks, are announced Sunday.

“The All-Star game will take care of itself,” Washington said.

Leonys Martin had his first three RBIs in the majors on a pair of two-out hits. The Cuban defector, who signed with the Rangers last year, had an RBI double in the second and a two-run triple an inning later.

Robbie Ross, Tanner Scheppers and Mike Adams each pitched a scoreless inning for the Rangers. Joe Nathan, the closer pitching in a non-save situation, gave up his first runs in 17 appearances since May 13 in a strange inning.

But Scutaro then got caught in a rundown after a pitch ricocheted away from catcher Mike Napoli. Though Scutaro slid into second base under the tag and was ruled safe, he popped off the base and was tagged out by shortstop Elvis Andrus for the second out. Jason Giambi then ended the game by striking out.

Texas finished a major league-best 14-4 in interleague play, winning all six of its series against National League teams.